As Trump demands apology, Episcopal bishop explains her call for mercy toward those living in fear
Mariann Budde, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, preaches January 21 at the Service of Prayer for the Nation at the Washington National Cathedral. (Photo: Washington National Cathedra, via Facebook)
The sermon’s duration was less than 15 minutes. Its theme—a call for unity grounded in faith at a time of political division—was hardly out of the norm for a post-inauguration service at Washington National Cathedral, which has hosted similar services 10 times before.
It was the sermon’s final four minutes that struck a chord. Mariann Budde, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, issued a final plea directly to President Donald Trump as he sat in the front row, a moment that would generate national headlines and intense reactions, both positive and negative.
Her calm plea to the president: “Have mercy.”
